A Clinical study of Flexion Contractures of the Injured Fingers

Kim, Key Yong; Cho, Duck Yun; Lee, Kyu Seong

Abstract

One of the commonest and most serious problems of the injured hand is flexion contractures of the fingers. Such deformities not only functionally impair the digit, but also reduce or restrict the functional capability of the entire hand. We reviewed 150 digits of 73 patients with flexion contractures of the fingers which had been treated at National Medical Center from Jan. 1976 to Dec. 1985. The results were as follows: 1. The duration of flexion contractures which were scattered from 4 months to 17 years and average duration of contracture was 20.6 months. 2. The methods of treatment were Z-plasty, adhesiolysis, capsulotomy, excision of both collateral ligaments, stripping of extensor mechanism and volar plate and release of flexor tendon sheath according to injury mechanism and duration of contracture. 3. The postoperative results showed up 32 (21.3%) excellent, 78 (52%) good, 24 (16%) fair and 16 (10.7%) poor. 4. The postoperative results of burned injury which showed up-8 excellent, 11 good out of 20 cases they are supposed to have satisfactory results. 5. Crushing injury which had intraarticular fracture or comminution show up unsatisfactory results. 6. It seems obvious that the early active motion of interphalangeal joint is important to improve joint function. 7. The arc of motion was retained in a more functional position postoperatively than preoperatively.